It's been over a month since the Michigan State Spartans were last beaten. They've covered 12 of their last 13 games, and that's why they're very likely going to end up as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament when the brackets are released just hours after their final game of the year regardless as to whether they win or lose the Big Ten Championship Game.
This game though, is about more than just the conference title for Sparty. It needs to prove that it can beat the team which last send it to a loss, the Purdue Boilermakers.
You can bet on college basketball odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
SCHEDULING
The Big Ten Tournament really hasn't had the same type of drama in it as some of the other major conferences have this year, and Purdue has really been one of the big beneficiaries. Michigan was able to knock off top-ranked Indiana, and that was what really opened up this bracket for the Boilermakers. They haven't had to play against a really good team yet, and they've taken care of business along the way with ease, blowing out Illinois by 31 and Michigan by 17 in games which were never really all that competitive.
Michigan State never had a problem with Ohio State, but its game against Maryland was draining to watch, let alone to play in. The affair was physical from start to finish, and this is sure to be yet another intense affair to end the regular season. The Spartans are equipped to win such a test for sure, but there's no doubt that live bettors should recognize that they're the team worse for wear from the last two days in Indianapolis.
KEY MATCHUP
The real question that we have from a live betting standpoint in this game is whether Purdue is going to be able to do all of the little things necessary to beat a team which excels at the details.
Denzel Valentine was able to have a huge impact against Maryland without scoring a single point in the first half, and when he finally got the opportunities at the hoop in the second half, he was able to put the game away with jumpers and foul shots. Deyonta Davis blocked two big shots in the second half, and he altered the last one by Melo Trimble which effectively won the game. Matt Costello produced saved possessions in the second half with hustle to the basketball after missed shots.
That's where live bettors have to get frustrated betting against Sparty. Michigan State saves and creates a ton of possessions just by outworking the opposition.
In the February duel of these foes though, it was Rapheal Davis who was able to make all of the big plays. Sure, A.J. Hammons had a great statistical night with a double-double, but Purdue's big issue in tight games has been finding the guy to knock down "The Shot." Davis did all of that with his 24 points, including six threes. If he or someone like Vince Edwards can step up and go shot for shot with the Spartans, live bettors will find this one being a back and forth affair throughout.
KEY STATS & TRENDS
Michigan State was a three-point dog in that game in West Lafayette, so it did pick up the cover. That was a part of its 12-game cover streak, one which came to a close on Saturday against Maryland.
Purdue has won its last five and is 4-0-1 ATS in those games, though it's worth noting that it hasn't played truly great ball on the road against any of the top teams from the Big Ten this year. Sure, this will end up being a bipartisan crowd for the most part, but recent close losses against Indiana and Michigan on the road have to have live bettors of the Boilers bothered just a bit if this one is down to the wire.
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The Purdue Boilermakers and Michigan State Spartans will square off Sunday, March 13, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The matchup will be televised live on CBS.
